School drops from 'good' to 'requires improvement'

A primary and nursery school where standards in reading have 'dropped significantly' has been told it requires improvement by Ofsted.

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Doxey Primary and Nursery School. Picture: Google Street View

Doxey Primary and Nursery School has been given a requires improvement rating by the education watchdog after an inspection took place over September 19 and 20.

The report claims that teaching and learning quality 'varies from class to class' and that reading levels at Key Stage 2 have 'dropped significantly' since the last inspection at the school in 2013.

The rating previously given to the school was 'good'.

Ofsted inspector Michelle Johnstone said: "Since the previous inspection, standards in reading at the end of key stage 2 have dropped significantly.

"The quality of teaching and learning varies from class to class.

"While there is some highly effective practice, particularly in mathematics, this is not the case in other subjects.

"Information provided to governors about pupils’ outcomes across the school is not sufficiently clear to allow them to hold the headteacher and other leaders to account.

"The school’s marking policy is followed consistently throughout the school.

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"However, pupils are often unsure as to how to improve their work and rely on adults to explain further what they need to do.

"Teachers do not sufficiently challenge or monitor pupils’ reading. As a result, pupils are not motivated to read and do not read widely.

"The most able pupils are not sufficiently challenged and so do not make good enough progress."

Despite the drop in rating given to the school, inspectors noted that a new headteacher, who had 'rapidly developed' an understanding of what was needed to improve the situation, had only been appointed 11 days earlier.

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Ms Johnstone said: The newly appointed headteacher has rapidly developed a comprehensive understanding of the schools’ strengths and areas that require improvement.

"At the time of the inspection, the newly appointed headteacher had been at the school for 11 days.

"During this short period, she has already made significant changes which are welcomed by staff, pupils and parents.

"This includes improved communication.

"Parents are now allowed onto the playground with their children.

"This has meant that any issues are dealt with as they arise and parents feel listened to.

"Leaders’ understanding of the strengths and weakness of the school is inaccurate.

"However, the new headteacher has a clear vision and understanding of the improvements needed to ensure that all pupils and staff thrive in her care.

"A member of staff commented, ‘I feel supported and informed of her vision for our fantastic children."